Statement from NHLPA Executive Board

A temporary implementation will ensure that the joint NHLPA/NHL Competition Committee will have time to develop and consider a proper full-time rule.

STATEMENT FROM NHLPA EXECUTIVE BOARD

Toronto (March 25, 2010): Statement from NHLPA Executive Board regarding the League's blindside hits to the head proposal: “We fully support our Competition Committee Members’ endorsement of the League’s proposal to implement supplemental discipline this season for blindside hits to the head.

Our agreement applies to the remainder of the 2009-10 NHL Regular Season, as well as the 2010 Playoffs. This temporary implementation will ensure that the joint NHLPA/NHL Competition Committee will have time to develop and consider a proper and full-time rule, one that includes an on-ice penalty component, this summer. We are encouraged by the League’s recent willingness to explore on-ice rule changes as a means of reducing Player injuries and have no doubt that by working together, a safer working environment can be established for all NHLPA Members.”